Tires

[Miranda]

Trying to figure out what to buy makes my head hurt. OK, I've looked at some threads here, and read some reviews of what my lbs has suggested for tires.

The lbs has suggested:
option #1: Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700x25 ($40 tire)
option #2: Serfas Seca 700x23 ($38 tire)

This is the first thing I have had to replace on my bike. Giant OCR1. My tires now are Kenda Kontender 700x26. I have a bulge in the front tire that the lbs said it's just wearing out. *knocks on wood* I have never had a flat to date. I don't know if it helps that I keep them pumped up to 120psi most every ride, or that I am a lighter rider low 120#s?

I read a pro to the Bontrager is that it's very punture resistant. Con: heavier, and maybe not so smooth???

I'm not sure which Seca this one is (thus I posted the price to help sort it out if you own it/ know it). The lbs said it would roll faster for me, and is a really nice tire.

I do have some stability issues due to health, but do ok on my 26 tire now. I carry the supplies for the flat, etc. but fear I would have a bike stupid attack trying to change it. Smoother/faster for the Seca sounds nice though... less work riding means more enjoyment, ya know? *sighs with migraine*

Any thoughts on which way to go?

[Andrea]

I have been riding Kenda tires for a year now, and I think they're a great combo of durability and smoothness. They make several 700x23c road tires (the "kriterium" comes in 25c, too), and several commuter tires (I have the Kwick Roller Sport on my commuter) that come in larger sizes (26c and up). They all have some degree of flat protection (depending on what you get).

I found the road tires to be a great compromise- they are durable (not so much as something like a conti "gatorskin"), and they have good grip & a smooth ride (though not quite as grippy/smooth as a conti 4000 & the like)


-Oh yeah... and I still like them, even though I'm riding for a different team next year

[indysteel]

I run Vittoria Rubino Pros on my bike (700 x 23). I get a good deal on them at probikekit.com for about $23. They retail for nearly twice that in most shops. I've had good luck with them in terms of flat resistance (never had one; knock on wood) and I like the ride quality. I think they're fairly easy to mount, too, at least on my rims.

As an aside, has anyone ever suggested running less pressure in your tires? I know it's a personal thing but 120 psi for a 700 x 26 tires, at your weight, sounds high to me. You might play around with the pressure to see if you like the ride quality better at a lower psi, say 100-105. At your weight, I wouldn't worry about pinch flats at that psi. Your tires might corner a bit better at a lower psi, too. Certainly in wet condidtions, I would suggest lowering the psi a bit.

[Becky]

+1 on the Vittorias. I have Diamantes mounted right now, with a pair of Rubino Slicks waiting in the wings. I have ridden several models of Kendas as well, and find them to be good bang for the buck.

I've never ridden the two that you mention, but the Bontragers sound like they'd be heavy. It depends a little what your tire need is. Heavy "flat-proof" tires are great on my commuter (Panaracer Paselas here), but not so much on the "go-fast" bike.

Indy has a good point about tire pressure. I'm about your weight, and rarely run more than about 105psi, even though the Diamantes are rated up to 150psi. Might be something to experiment with...

[Miranda]

Thx you ladies that have responded thus far. It's hard when you only have "one" experience with something to decide.

There are some other things on my bike I have switched up that I know what I'm looking for. But, not the tires yet.

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Ok, still absorbing info...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Rough road surfaces are another reason why a 10-20 lb lower air pressure might improve your ride. It struck me as well that you were perhaps pumping up a little too hard.

You don't really say how important speed vs. number of flats is to you and your style of riding. Yeah, we all want to be fast and we all hate flat tires, but... If fastness is very important to you, a lighter tire will help. But a highly puncture resistant tire will be heavier than a plain lightweight/thin racing tire. Many tires offer a combination of both, but no one tire will be the fastest AND the most puncture resistant. In between, there is much variation leaning towards one or the other.

I myself have a strong flat resistant preference, and my favorite tires are 700x25c Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires. They are expensive though, and if you want something puncture resistant and 'similar' but half the price then I'd recommend the Pasela Panaracer with TourGuard Kevler belt, 700x25-26c, which run for I 'think' about $25 each? Neither of these tires are particularly heavy, but they certainly do weight a bit more than light racing tires.

[7rider]

I have the Hardcases on my commuter. I like them just fine. Roll nicely...no flats all summer. Great tire, in my opinion. Of those two, I think you'll be happy with the Bontis.

Trying to figure out what to buy makes my head hurt. OK, I've looked at some threads here, and read some reviews of what my lbs has suggested for tires.

The lbs has suggested:
option #1: Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700x25 ($40 tire)
option #2: Serfas Seca 700x23 ($38 tire)

This is the first thing I have had to replace on my bike. Giant OCR1. My tires now are Kenda Kontender 700x26. I have a bulge in the front tire that the lbs said it's just wearing out. *knocks on wood* I have never had a flat to date. I don't know if it helps that I keep them pumped up to 120psi most every ride, or that I am a lighter rider low 120#s?

I read a pro to the Bontrager is that it's very punture resistant. Con: heavier, and maybe not so smooth???

I'm not sure which Seca this one is (thus I posted the price to help sort it out if you own it/ know it). The lbs said it would roll faster for me, and is a really nice tire.

I do have some stability issues due to health, but do ok on my 26 tire now. I carry the supplies for the flat, etc. but fear I would have a bike stupid attack trying to change it. Smoother/faster for the Seca sounds nice though... less work riding means more enjoyment, ya know? *sighs with migraine*

Any thoughts on which way to go?